The SUV coupe segment is set to further diversify an already crowded market. Speculating about how these vehicles fit within existing categories and which segments they overlap with can be overwhelming, but let’s focus on the SUV at hand: the Citroen Basalt. Although we tested this vehicle without knowing its price, Citroen’s tendency to break convention with pricing leaves us intrigued.
The Citroen Basalt is an SUV coupe, the first of its kind in the mass market, and is likely to be compared to the Tata Curvv, which we’ve also driven recently in its EV form.
Citroen Basalt Review: Platform and Design
The Basalt is built on the C3 family platform but is slightly longer than the C3 Aircross, marginally narrower, and has a 20mm shorter wheelbase. These small differences indicate a ground-up approach to its engineering. In terms of design, even a skeptic would find it hard to criticize the Basalt.
At the front, the Basalt shares a similar design with its SUV sibling, featuring angular DRLs along the bonnet line and inset into the headlamp body, complemented by chrome inserts that flow into the double chevron badge at the center. The front end is cohesive and stylish, with unique foglamp integration and chunkier, reprofiled bumpers that set it apart. Moving to the side, the Basalt distinguishes itself with a sloping roofline that adds character, as well as boxy flared wheel arches and a distinct C-pillar layout that frames the rear window.
The Basalt rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, which suit its design, though larger 17-inch or 18-inch wheels might have enhanced its striking appearance. The rear of the Basalt is particularly notable, with squat haunches leading into a streamlined tailgate, a design element that defines SUV coupes. Citroen has added flair with an integrated ducktail spoiler and wraparound LED taillamps. However, the plastic rear bumper, likely intended to emphasize the SUV’s ruggedness, detracts slightly from the otherwise cohesive design.
Citroen Basalt Review: Interiors and Features
Inside, the Basalt’s cabin, particularly in the top-tier turbo variants, is quite appealing. The all-white upholstery adds a sense of airiness but may be challenging to maintain. The dashboard features premium textured light gold inserts contrasted with piano black acetate, effectively drawing attention away from the hard-plastic panels surrounding them. A 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto takes center stage.
The Basalt also includes a wireless charger and a digital instrument panel similar to the one in the C3 Aircross. While functional, the instrument panel seems small and slightly out of place in the otherwise premium dashboard. The vehicle offers automatic climate control, but it lacks features like automatic headlights, ventilated seats, premium audio, keyless start, and a sunroof. Nevertheless, the seats are very comfortable, providing adequate space, bolstering, and cushioning, true to Citroen’s reputation.
The vehicle includes electrically adjustable ORVMs, and while it lacks USB-C charging ports, it does offer a fast-charging 95W cigarette lighter port charger. Citroen has also focused on sound damping within the cabin, with foam inserts under the bonnet clamps that help reduce noise and vibration from the three-cylinder engine.
The second row is surprisingly spacious, with ample headroom and knee room, despite the coupe’s sloping roofline. The range-topping automatic variant even offers adjustable squab, armrest, and lateral headrest adjustments, enhancing comfort. Although these features were absent in our manual test car, they add value to the second-row experience. The second row also features independent air-conditioning vents and two USB type-A chargers.
The Basalt impresses with its 470 liters of boot space, easily accommodating overnight luggage for five people plus additional camera equipment. However, while the cabin has improved, there is still room for Citroen to enhance build quality, as some panel gaps and material choices fell short of expectations, and there were minor rattles even in our brand-new test vehicle.
Citroen Basalt Review: Engine, Gearbox, and Performance
Unlike the C3 Aircross, the Basalt is available with both of Citroen’s 1.2-liter powertrain options: naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The naturally aspirated engine delivers 82bhp and 110Nm of peak torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Though not overly powerful, this option may allow Citroen to price the Basalt competitively, positioning it against some sub-compact SUVs.
Our test vehicle featured the 1.2-liter turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. This forced-induction engine boosts power to 110bhp and torque to 190Nm, providing a sprightly driving experience. While not the fastest in its segment, it offers a linear and progressive power delivery with minimal turbo lag, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The 6-speed shifter is precise and smooth, though the clutch could be lighter and has a long travel, which may be cumbersome in heavy traffic. The braking system consists of drums at the rear and ventilated discs up front; while the front brakes perform well, overall braking efficiency decreases when the rear drums are wet.
Citroen’s commitment to ride quality is evident in the Basalt, with excellent damping at both low and higher speeds. The vehicle handles well at low speeds with quick turn-ins, but there is some disconnect in the steering at higher speeds, a side-effect of the heavy damping.
Citroen Basalt Review: Verdict
The Citroen Basalt offers a lot, including spaciousness, decent equipment, and striking design. Its success will largely depend on its pricing, especially with competing models on the horizon.
As a standalone product, regardless of price, Citroen has stayed true to its core values, delivering a well-engineered, comfortable SUV coupe that rides as good as it looks.
